Full Universities Australia Logo Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Board
    • History
    • Career Opportunities
  • Facts & Publications
    • Student Statistics
    • Staff Statistics
    • University & Funding Statistics
    • Publications
  • Policy & Submissions
    • Submissions
    • Teaching, Learning & Funding
    • Research & Innovation
    • International
    • Diversity & Equity
    • Safety & Wellbeing
    • Health
    • Copyright
  • Campaigns & Projects
  • Our universities
    • University Profiles
    • Teaching Calendar
    • University Contacts
    • University Startup Hubs
    • Student Safety – Contacts
    • 2022 Floods
  • Media
  • Events
  • Contact
Study in Australia
©2023
Site by ED.

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Media Release 12 November 2018

RAID ON UNI RESEARCH TO FUND REGIONAL UNI PACKAGE

The $134.8 million announced today for five regional universities hurt by the university funding freeze will be sourced from a raid on the nation’s research budget, it has emerged.

Rather than pledging new funds for regional universities, Education Minister Dan Tehan has instead cut crucial research funds at all universities – including in the regions.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said while money for regional universities was desperately needed, it was reckless to take research money out of every university.

“With the federal Budget position growing stronger by the day, the Government should have found these funds from general revenue – not from slashing crucial research funds,” Ms Jackson said.

“Australia has already fallen behind other advanced economies for the share of GDP spent on research – that should have loud alarm bells ringing for our future economic growth,” she said.

Universities Australia understands  funding has been cut from the Research Block Grants over the next few years.

This is the foundational funding that enables universities to conduct world-class research and bid for competitive research grants. Our world-class researchers also teach the next generation of young Australians.

“The five universities that have been promised money by the Government today would also be hit with that research cut,” Ms Jackson said.

This cut to research grants is the second body blow to the research community in three weeks.

The research raid follows revelations that former Education Minister Simon Birmingham vetoed 11 grants recommended for funding by expert reviewers and the Australian Research Council.

“It is folly to be undermining the nation’s future by raiding precious research funding when Australia already spends far less than our economic competitors in the region and the world,” she said.

“We should be investing strongly in both – university places to ensure Australians from all postcodes can have access to this life-changing opportunity and research that is changing lives.”

Universities are the backbone of Australia’s research capability – it makes no sense to cut into this source of the nation’s future wellbeing and prosperity.

Related Media

See All Media
media-item
Media Release
2 June 2023

Australian universities making global impact

Australia’s world-class universities are continuing to make their mark on the global stage in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

Read more
media-item
Media Release
31 May 2023

UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIA CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS CONFIRMED

University of South Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor David Lloyd was confirmed as the new Chair of Universities Australia at today’s Annual General Meeting.

Read more
media-item
Media Release
30 May 2023

UNIS PRODUCING SKILLED WORKERS THE ECONOMY NEEDS

Universities are continuing to play a central role in ensuring Australia’s economy has the skilled workers it needs to grow and prosper.

Read more
See All Media
Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia

Popular Search Terms

  • Business & Community
  • Careers & Staffing
  • Indigenous
  • International
  • Resources & Regulation
  • Quality Assurance
  • Governance
  • Research
  • Students & Teaching
  • Student Income Support
  • Teaching Calendar
©2023
Site by ED.
Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia

Sign up

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
©2023
Site by ED.
Universities Australia Logo


Australian Aboriginal Flag Flag of the Torres Strait Islanders

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Facts & Publications
  • Policy & Submissions
  • Campaigns & Projects
  • Our universities
  • Media
  • Events
  • Contact

Get in touch

  • 1 Geils Court
  • Deakin ACT 2600
  • T: +61 2 6285 8100

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
©2023 - Site by ED.
Legal
Study in Australia
Site Index